“Unity talks don’t mean PAS will join Umno”

By Deborah Loh (The Nut Graph)

PAS is out to convince its Pakatan Rakyat (PR) partners that unity talks with Umno will not dilute the Islamist party's commitment to the opposition.

The controversial proposal will be raised at the next PR presidential council which is attended by the heads of PAS, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and DAP.

PAS deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa said PKR and DAP should have a better understanding of what the unity talks are about after PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang explains it.

"It's not about sharing power with Umno, not about joining Umno. It's just about discussion on current issues for the benefit of the people and the nation," Nasharudin said at a press conference after PAS's 55th muktamar ended today.

"We think that as a major political party, PAS can contribute," he said in response to a question that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was "open" to the idea but wanted PAS to articulate the concept more clearly.

Nasharudin (left) and HadiNasharudin was also asked why PAS would risk losing the support of PKR, DAP and its own PAS Supporters Club members by pursuing talks with Umno.

"We're not joining Umno. When the president [Hadi] explains, it should be better," he said.

Nasharudin was adamant that the talks, "whether they end up in a unity government", were not meant for PAS to join Umno or the Barisan Nasional (BN).

"Umno is our political enemy but that does not mean we should shut the door to dialogue on issues that benefit the nation. We'll talk to anyone, even MIC," he said.

Read more at: http://www.thenutgraph.com/unity-talks-dont-mean-pas-will-join-umno